PSC says no compromise vs Camacho

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Sports Commission will not settle for a compromise even if former Wushu Association of the Philippines president Julian Camacho returns the money he allegedly withdrew from the PSC under the name of a Chinese coach who had long left the country.

Chairman Harry Angping, who called for the filing of eight counts of estafa against Camacho last May, yesterday welcomed the latter’s gesture to return the money but said there was no discussion that pertains to the withdrawal of the case.

“He wanted to return the money. So, why should I refuse the gesture? However, there is no discussion on the case,” Angping said. “The civil aspect has been extinguished but the criminal part remains. No compromise.”

Camacho faced the charges of estafa for authorizing the withdrawal of the salary and other benefits of Chinese coach Ding Bao Yu from the PSC even when the latter was no longer working for the RP wushu team.

Based on PSC records, Camacho allegedly withdrew a total of P657,193 representing Ding monthly salary of $1,000 and housing benefits of P27,000 from February to October last year.

The PSC checked with the Bureau of Immigration and found out that Ding, who arrived in the country on Dec. 11, 2007, left on Jan. 18, 2008. For the next eight months, the WAP managed to withdraw his salary.

But Camacho said the federation was only trying to recover or recoup the advance payments they had on behalf of the Chinese coach. He said Ding was paid $1,500 a month even if the PSC only released $1,000 a month.

Camacho was the first RP sports official that faced charges from the PSC. Recently, however, Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella also took the hot seat regarding unliquidated cash advances during the 2005 Manila SEA Games.     – Abac Cordero